How to Outsource Ecommerce Management
You’ve probably heard about outsourcing and how it can benefit e-commerce businesses, but how is it done right? Additionally…
What eCommerce roles can you outsource?
How do you determine the break-even points of outsourcing vs. automating your processes?
Where can you find businesses that specifically help ecommerce businesses find outsourced professionals?
Not only at Global Hola do we run outsourcing. We also own an e-commerce business in the print-on-demand space creating pet portraits.
E-commerce businesses can outsource key areas such as customer service, logistics, digital marketing, and a plethora of other specialized roles, and when done right, they can be transformative for your e-commerce businesses.
In this article, we will explore how to effectively use outsourced professionals to take on some of the functions of your e-commerce business. Specifically, we’ll look at how virtual assistants and digital marketing specialists can be quite impactful.
Outsourced Customer Service in Ecommerce
Ecommerce outsourcing customer service tasks can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Roles such as handling customer inquiries, processing returns and exchanges, and managing chat and email support are crucial for maintaining a high level of customer service. Outsourced professionals in these roles, like customer service representatives and support specialists, are adept at providing timely and accurate responses, managing logistical challenges of returns, and ensuring constant communication through various channels, which are key to retaining customer loyalty and improving the overall shopping experience.
Roles for Customer Service Outsourcing
Customer Service Representatives: Handle customer inquiries, providing timely and accurate responses.
Support Specialists: Manage logistics of returns and exchanges.
Chat and Email Support Staff: Ensure continuous and effective communication through various channels.
Tasks for Outsourcing Customer Service
Handling Customer Inquiries: A dedicated team can manage incoming queries regarding products, orders, and services, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
Processing Returns and Exchanges: Outsourced teams efficiently handle the logistics of returns and exchanges, improving customer satisfaction and streamlining operations.
Managing Chat and Email Support: Providing real-time assistance through chat and maintaining diligent email support to address customer needs promptly.
Key Operational Tasks for Outsourcing in E-commerce
Efficiently managing key operational tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and shipping and delivery coordination is vital for the smooth functioning of an e-commerce business. Outsourcing these tasks to specialists like order management professionals, inventory managers, and logistics coordinators ensures that these critical operations are handled efficiently and effectively. This not only streamlines the supply chain and order fulfillment process but also minimizes the risk of errors and delays, leading to improved customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
Roles for Outsourcing Ecommerce Operations
Order Management Specialists: Oversee the processing of customer orders from receipt to fulfillment.
Inventory Managers: Keep track of stock levels and manage inventory data.
Logistics Coordinators: Handle shipping and delivery coordination, ensuring timely product deliveries.
Tasks for Outsourcing Ecommerce Operations
Order Processing: Efficiently managing the processing of customer orders from receipt through to fulfillment.
Inventory Management: Keeping track of stock levels, updating inventory data, and assisting in order management to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
Shipping and Delivery Coordination: Managing the logistics of shipping, including coordination with couriers and tracking deliveries to ensure timely arrival.
Outsourced Roles in Sales and Marketing
In the competitive e-commerce industry, sales and marketing are pivotal for business growth and customer reach. Outsourcing roles related to SEO and online marketing, social media management, and content creation for blogs and websites allows businesses to access specialized skills and knowledge. Digital marketing experts, social media managers, and content writers can significantly enhance a brand’s online presence, drive sales through targeted marketing strategies, and engage customers with compelling content, thereby contributing to the business’s overall success in the digital marketplace.
Roles in Sales & Marketing
Digital Marketing Experts: Implement SEO strategies and manage online marketing campaigns.
Social Media Managers: Oversee social media platforms, engage with audiences, and post regular updates.
Content Writers: Develop engaging content for blogs, product descriptions, and websites.
Tasks for Sales & Marketing Outsourcing
SEO and Online Marketing: Implementing search engine optimization strategies and managing online marketing campaigns to increase visibility and drive sales.
Social Media Management: Handling social media platforms, posting regular updates, and engaging with the audience to boost online presence.
Content Creation for Blogs and Websites: Developing engaging content for blogs, product descriptions, and website copy that resonates with the target audience.
Specialized Outsourcing Roles for Ecommerce
Adopting specialized outsourcing roles in areas like product listing management, email marketing, and administrative tasks offers e-commerce businesses a strategic advantage. These roles, typically filled by skilled professionals like virtual assistants and specialized coordinators, contribute to cost efficiency, enhanced expertise, and scalability. By outsourcing these specific functions, e-commerce businesses can focus on core activities, adapt more swiftly to market changes, and ensure operational tasks are managed effectively, ultimately leading to sustained business growth and success.
Specialized Ecommerce Roles for Outsourcing
E-commerce Specialists: Focus on tasks like product listing management on Amazon stores.
Marketing and Communication Coordinators: Handle email follow-ups and newsletter management.
Operations Coordinators: Assist in scaling operations up or down as needed and manage various administrative tasks.
How to Utilize Ecommerce Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants play a multifaceted role in supporting e-commerce operations. Tasks like product listing management, email follow-up, and scheduling and appointment setting are well-suited for virtual assistants. They bring organization and efficiency to these areas, ensuring product listings are accurately managed, customer communication is consistent, and schedules are meticulously coordinated. The versatility of virtual assistants in handling these diverse tasks allows for streamlined business operations and contributes to the overall productivity and efficiency of the e-commerce business.
Tasks for Virtual Assistants in Ecommerce
Product Listing Management: Creating and updating product listings across various e-commerce platforms to ensure accuracy and attractiveness.
Email Follow-up and Newsletter Management: Sending follow-up emails to customers and managing newsletter content to keep customers engaged and informed.
Scheduling and Appointment Setting: Managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating with vendors or suppliers.
How to Build Your Outsourced Team for Your Ecommerce Business
For e-commerce businesses aiming to optimize their operations and grow their market presence, outsourcing presents a viable and strategic solution. By delegating specific tasks to outsourced professionals, businesses can focus on core competencies, drive efficiency, and enhance customer experiences.
At Global Hola, we understand the unique needs of e-commerce businesses and offer tailored outsourcing solutions to help them thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Partner with us to transform your e-commerce operations and achieve new heights of success. If you’d like to look at a list of other outsourcing companies that can help outsource e-commerce functions, we’ve prepared this article: Top 10 Virtual Executive Assistant Companies.